National Lipstick Day | 10 Steps to the Perfect Pink Pout

Happy National Lipstick Day, friends! Did you know women have been wearing lipstick for over 5,000 years now? If you’re hoarding tons of tubes, you’re not alone! Lipstick’s ability to decorate, protect, and transform the lips is why it tops the list of makeup essentials for many wearers.

All beauty products perform their best when the surface you’re applying them too is healthy, hydrated, and prepped for long wear. Makeup is also easier to apply precisely when you’re using the right tools. Sure, you can swipe on this summer’s most popular lip shadesand go (that’s about all I have time for most days) but if you really want the perfect pout– lipstick that lasts and dazzles, you’re going to have to put a little more into it!

They key to long lasting lipstick wear is maintaining the health of your lips in the same way you would cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate the rest of your face.

Here’s how to apply pink lipstick in 10 steps with some of my favorite lip specialty products:

STEP 1: Cleanse- The best way to remove all pigment and residue from previous lipsticks and other products you’ve previously applied for a completely clean palette (not to mention ensuring you don’t leave traces of product on your pillow at night) is to cleanse with a gentle lip cleaner like Bliss Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser.

STEP 2: Moisturize- Face and lip cleansing, as well as the elements, can dry out your lips and cause chapping. I’m obsessed with lip moisturizers to keep my lips healthy and flake-free. Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy is a great option to hydrate and prevent chapping. Apply before bed and wake up to softer, smoother lips. I also love this tinted lip balm.

STEP 5: Prep your canvas- Once your lips are clean and hydrated, use a lip primer to ensure your lip color wouldn’t smudge off or end up on your teeth or napkin. A quick application before applying your favorite lipstick will guarantee that your lips stay perfectly covered all day long. My favorite is Too Face Lip Insurance Primer.

STEP 6: Apply Lip Liner- Phew, you still with me? Pick your favorite shade of lipstick (I love pink for summer but here’s a list of Amazon’s most popular lip shades this summer) and find a matching lip liner. I especially like to line my lips when I’m using darker shades of lipstick to provide guidance and prevent bleeding.

STEP 7: Use a Lip Brush- Oh, I know, more products?! But I promise, once you try a lip brush, you won’t go back. Lip brushes provide more control and their angled brush tip helps you to apply lipstick more precisely so that it doesn’t feather or bleed. The brush also helps you control how much lipstick you’re putting onto your lips and allows you to blend into the lip liner more seamlessly. Convinced? I love my Bobbi Brown brush and have my eye on this retractable one.

STEP 8:Apply Favorite Shade- Using the lip brush, sparingly apply lipstick starting at the center of the lips out towards the lip line and blend into the lip liner. Have a Q-tip or concealer on hand to “erase” any blunders. I have quite a few go-to shades but right now I like Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in “Loveable” for a soft summer pink, day or night.

STEP 9: Smile- What’s the perfect pink pout without a bright smile? Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 2 hr Whitening Kit has long been a favorite. Just four 20 minute sessions gives a noticeably brighter smile. The formula doesn’t make my teeth sensitive and the trays are super comfortable.

STEP 10: Freshen Breath- Keep bad breath at bay easily with a breath freshener like Listerine PocketPaks Breath Strips. The strips dissolve quickly leaving breath as fresh as it would feel after brushing. The tiny packs are easy to carry even in the smallest of clutches!